History & Gardens

From the days of the Nanticoke Nation, through colonial New Sweden and the American Revolution, and through Civil War and the technological revolutions of the 20th century, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley have always been at the center of our nation's history.

We live side-by-side with that history every day, walking the cobblestone pathways of OLD NEW CASTLE and driving past the preserved natural beauty - protected by beautiful stone fences - on the back roads of northern Delaware. We celebrate our heritage at the HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY and the READ HOUSE AND GARDENS.

But to truly see our history come to life, you must visit one of the many internationally renowned gardens that thrive in the Brandywine Valley, on a tour that would include LONGWOOD GARDENS, WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY, NEMOURS MANSION and the MT. CUBA CENTER. These carefully tended spaces are a living legacy to past generations' stewardship of the land, and our continuing commitment to them today.